Explore the parks with these Game and Parks events in September
Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. During September, a variety of events are planned for those for all ages and interests.
Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.
Celebrate Labor Day at Indian Cave SP
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Indian Cave State Park with fun family activities Sept. 5.
There will be hayrack rides, a cake walk and yard games from 5-7 p.m. A fish fry ($13 for ages 13 and up, $6 for ages 4-12) is scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. and the Pioneer Longrifle Club will host a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Activities will take place outside the museum
Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson SHP
Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park during Living History Weekend on Sept. 5-6.
Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.
In addition, reenactor groups will portray the military from the French and Indian War through the present, and military vehicles will be on display.
An archeology walk will be held daily at 11 a.m.
The park will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A fee is required at the Harold W. Andersen Visitor Center of $5 per adult and $1 per child. For more information, email ngpc.fort.atkinson@nebraska.
Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to find more information.
Enjoy stargazing Sept. 11 at Mahoney SP
Come to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland on Sept. 11 and enjoy some summer stargazing.
Telescopes will be provided so visitors may get a glimpse at the night sky beginning at dusk. Meet behind the park’s golf shack for this free event from 9-11:30 p.m. Remember to bring camp chairs or blankets.
The rain date is Sept. 12.
Arbor Lodge to host Mystery at the Mansion
Come to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park for Mystery at the Manson. This old-fashioned whodunit will take place at Arbor Lodge Mansion from 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 12 features Murder Among Mateys.
Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at Arbor Lodge Mansion. Wear your own pirate attire or select from our props. This event is family-friendly.
Solve clues, look for evidence and break the case while mingling. Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at the mansion. Wear your own pirate attire or select from our props. This event is family friendly. Plan to arrive at the mansion by 6:15 p.m.
Space is limited. Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to purchase tickets.
Naturalist-Led Hike at Ponca on Sept. 12
Come to Ponca State Park for a naturalist-led hike on Sept. 12.
Meet at the West Shelter at 10 a.m. and enjoy the scenic views, native wildlife, and fellowship until 12:30 p.m. Along the way, naturalists will talk about the cultural and natural history of the park and the flora and fauna found in the area. The trail will end with a warm fire and fresh baked dessert in a Dutch oven.
Space is limited. The cost is $15 (card only). Registration is required by calling the park office at 402-755-2284.
Platte River SP to host Archery on Fire
Learn all about archery and some other fun outdoor activities at the Archery on Fire event Sept. 12 at Platte River State Park.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, families can try archery, balloon archery, 3-D archery, slingshots, atlatl, tomahawk throwing, and pellet guns.
There also will be campground games, a naturalist tent with live reptiles, marshmallow roasting and Dutch oven cooking. Food will be available while supplies last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Special guest Correy Hawk, a participant on the wilderness survival television program “Alone,” will demonstrate how to make handmade archery equipment.
Trail Trek Guided Hike: Engineer Cantonment
Join us at 9 a.m. Sept. 12 at the Engineer Cantonment in Omaha for the sixth of a series of guided hikes as a part of this year’s Your Parks Adventure: Trail Trek program.
Former Nebraska State Archaeologist, Rob Bozell, will share the history of the Engineer Cantonment site as well as archaeological insights. Participants will walk to the site from the county road.
This program will last approximately an hour. The length of the walk is approximately a quarter mile.
Engineer Cantonment is located .2 miles south of the intersection of County Road P51 and Bluebird Lane, Omaha. There is limited parking at the site and others must safely park along the road. Watch for yard signs with more information.
This program is in partnership with the Nebraska State Historical Society’s WanderNebraska program.
Learn about Custer at Fort Hartsuff SHP
Join Jeff Barnes, Humanities Nebraska speaker and author of “The Great Plains Guide to Custer” at 2 p.m. Sept. 19 at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park to learn about George Custer.
Barnes will discuss the nine years of George Armstrong Custer between his First Stand in Nebraska in 1867 to his Last Stand at Little Bighorn in 1876.
Humanities Nebraska provides major funding for this program. HN receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Nebraska State Legislature, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and private donations.
The park’s historical buildings and gift shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is required to tour the historical buildings.
Schramm offers volunteer opportunity
Schramm Park State Recreation Area is offering a volunteer opportunity to assist with land management efforts.
From 9-11 a.m. Sept. 23, join Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff on activities such as invasive species removal, seed collection, trail maintenance, brush piling, and tree planting.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants, bring water, and outdoor work/garden gloves. Long sleeves also are recommended. All ages are welcome, but anyone under the age of 18 must have an accompanying adult.
Meet at the park shelter next to Pond A, where an introduction to the project will kick things off. Volunteers must sign a waiver upon arrival.
Visit the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to register.
Arbor Lodge to portray Frontier Days
Visit Arbor Lodge State Historical Park during Frontier Days on Sept. 25-27 to learn more about the days of the early pioneers.
Demonstrations and displays will include rope making, early Nebraska City education, antique kitchen gadgets, rag dolls, quilting, dress-like-a-pioneer, old time toys and games, household chores, early transportation and more!
Cortland Opry House dulcimers players will perform throughout the day on Sept. 26.
The Nebraska Game and Parks History Trailer also will be in the park for guest viewing.
The mansion will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 26 and 27, with demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arbor Lodge is a member of the Nebraska City Museum Association, providing free admission for residents.